Artisan&#39;s tool



Jan. 12, 1943. R. A. LowTHER ARTISANS TOOL Filed April 12, 1940 INVENTOR. RUSSE LL A. LOWTHE Patented Jan. 12, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARTISANS TOOL Russell A. Lowther, Detroit, Mich. Application April 12, 1940, Serial No. 329,353

1 Claim.

This invention relates to artisans tools, and particularly to an improved combination tool for paperhangers and the like.

In hanging wall paper, present practice requires the use of a plumb bob for aligning the edges of the paper, and to insure that the paper runs in the true vertical lines. Trimming the edges of adjacent strips of the paper must, in accordance with the present practice, be done either with the aid of a separate straight edge, held against the wall aligned with the bob string, or the paper must be marked and returned to the table for trimming.

The present invention aims to provide means for simultaneously indicating the position of the paper with respect to the vertical, and for marking the paper to enable trimming along a true vertical line, without requiring the use of either a plumb bob or a separate straight edge, and with a considerable simplification and saving of time.

A further object is to provide such a tool by means of which horizontal trimming may be done with equal accuracy and facility, and which also incorporates indicia for measuring the spacing of the paper with relation to desired points of reference.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from .the following description, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment of my invention and wherein similar reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a tool constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view, parts being broken away to show the same in section, and

Figures 4 and 5 are vertical sectional views taken substantially on the lines 4 4, and 5-5 respectively of Figure 3, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawing: Reference character l designates a ilat, elongated sheet metal plate, which is preferably of relatively heavy gauge and approximately thirty inches in length. The thickness of the metal is preferably approximately one-eighth inch, and the width of the tool approximately two and one-half inches. Centrally of the top surface is a handle l2, attached to the plate by means of screws I4, which do not project from the bottom of the plate, which is flat. Indicia I5 extend along the opposite edges of the tool, these edges being straight and parallel.

Housed in one end of the handle is a spirit level, 2li, so aligned with the longitudinal edges of the tool as to indicate by the centered positioning of its bubble the attainment of a truly vertical position by such longitudinal edges, While a second spirit level, 22, is disposed at 90 to the level 20, and so aligned with the longitudinal edges of the tool as to indicate in like fashion the attainment of a truly horizontal position by the longitudinal or trimming edges of the tool.

It will be seen that in order to trim the paper along truly vertical lines, it is only necessary to hold the tool against the wall, and turn the same to such position as to center the bubble of the spirit level 20, whereafter guide markings may be made which are of suicient length to insure accuracy in the subsequent trimming or tearing of the paper, and a proper vertical cut Will be assured. Not only may proper horizontal trimming be achieved in like maner by reference to the spirit level 22, but the extent of such cuts, and the positioning of the paper, may be determined at the same time by means of the indicia I 5.

The weight and proportions of the device will be seen also to adapt it for use upon the paperhangers table, both for measuring and trimming, and for positioning the paper on the table, preventing unwanted rolling and unrolling, etc.

While it will be apparent that the illustrated embodiment of my invention herein disclosed is well calculated to adequately fulfill the objects and advantages primarily stated, it is to be understood that the invention is susceptible to variation, modification and change within the spirit and scope of the subjoined claim.

What I claim is:

In a paper hangers tool, combined level indicating and handling means for a straightedge or the like, comprising a handle structure formed with spaced aligned terminal attachment portions having flat lower faces for engaging the upper surface of the straightedge, and a central handgrip portion bridging the attachment portions, the attachment portions extending outwardly beyond the handgrip portion so as to be clearly visible when the tool is grasped by the handgrip portion, means for securing the handle structure to a straightedge, and a spirit level housed in each of the attachment portions, one of said levels being arranged for horizontal indication and the other for vertical indication, each attachment portion having sight openings v above the spirit level housed therein in position to enable reading of the indications of the levels while the tool is being grasped by its handgrip portion.

RUSSELL A. LOWTHER. 

